Description
An alcohol-free Italian dessert combining cherry syrup, almond extract, and mascarpone cream. Elegant and kid-friendly, with a balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors. No refrigeration required beyond preparation.
Ingredients
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 tbsp cold milk
2 cups pitted cherries
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp almond extract (non-alcoholic)
1 cup espresso
24 ladyfingers
16 oz mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
Instructions
Combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and almond extract in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until liquid thickens into syrup. Cool completely.
In a bowl, whip heavy cream and milk until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Dip ladyfingers into cooled espresso and arrange in a single layer in an 8×8-inch dish. Spread half the cherry mixture over the layer.
Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and another cherry mixture. Top with a final layer of ladyfingers.
Chill for 3 hours. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and serve cold.
Notes
Use ultra-pasteurized heavy cream for a non-dairy option
Substitute almond milk for cold milk if non-dairy
Coconut sugar works as a paleo-friendly sugar alternative
Instant espresso dissolves quickly for convenience
Vanilla sugar enhances flavor depth in the cream
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 7
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 125 g
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg